Zone 4.5 Chess Championship Concludes Successfully in Zambia

The Zone 4.5 Chess Championship in Zambia has concluded successfully, with participants from five countries in Southern and Central Africa showcasing their skills in the ancient game of chess. The Chess Federation of Zambia (CFZ) has expressed their excitement over the event’s success and emphasized the importance of promoting chess in the nation.

CFZ president, Leslie Chikuse, revealed that the tournament, which ran from August 11 to August 17, featured sections for men, women, and junior players. Co-hosted by Project Chess Zambia and the CFZ, the championship served as a preparation ground for the upcoming Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary.

Chikuse thanked sponsors for their support and announced that 12 local players will be representing Zambia at the Chess Olympiad. The winners of the Olympiad will qualify for the Chess World Cup in 2024, making it a crucial event for chess enthusiasts worldwide.

Looking ahead, Chikuse disclosed plans for a talent identification program across the country to groom future chess stars. He called on corporate entities and national bodies to support this initiative and help elevate the profile of chess in Zambia.

With the success of the Zone 4.5 Chess Championship and the upcoming Chess Olympiad, the chess scene in Zambia is set to flourish, attracting more players and enthusiasts to the game.